SED2601
Assignment 3
Semester 1
Due 2026
,QUESTION 1
1.1 Explanation of Key Concepts
1) Citizenship
Citizenship refers to the legal and political relationship between an individual and a
state. It involves both rights and responsibilities. A citizen is entitled to rights such as
voting, protection under the law, and access to public services, while also expected to
obey laws, pay taxes, and participate in civic life (Isin & Turner, 2007).
Citizenship is not only a legal status. It also has a social and political dimension. For
example, in South Africa after 1994, citizenship came to mean equal recognition and
participation in a democratic society, regardless of race. Before 1994, many people
were legally excluded from full citizenship rights.
In modern democracies, citizenship implies active participation in public life and
commitment to constitutional values (Republic of South Africa, 1996).
2) Citizen
A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a particular country and is recognised by
that state as having full membership. This membership gives the individual political,
civil, and social rights.
For example, a South African citizen has the right to vote, access public education, and
receive protection from the state. At the same time, the citizen must respect the
Constitution and contribute to society.
Marshall (1950) explains citizenship in terms of three types of rights: civil rights, political
rights, and social rights. A citizen is therefore someone who enjoys and exercises these
rights within a specific political community.
, 3) Elitism
Elitism is the belief that a small, powerful group in society holds most of the political and
economic power and makes decisions on behalf of the majority. In elitist systems,
power is concentrated rather than equally distributed.
For example, during apartheid in South Africa, political power was controlled by a white
minority elite. The majority of the population had little or no influence over political
decisions.
In democratic theory, elitism suggests that even in democracies, real power often
remains in the hands of a small group of political and economic leaders (Heywood,
2013).
4) Modern Democracy
Modern democracy is a system of government in which political power ultimately rests
with the people, who exercise that power either directly or through elected
representatives.
It is based on principles such as universal suffrage, rule of law, equality before the law,
protection of human rights, and regular free and fair elections (Heywood, 2013).
South Africa’s post-1994 political system is an example of modern constitutional
democracy. All adult citizens have the right to vote, and the Constitution protects
fundamental rights such as equality, dignity, and freedom (Republic of South Africa,
1996).
Modern democracy also requires active citizen participation, accountability of leaders,
and transparency in governance.
Assignment 3
Semester 1
Due 2026
,QUESTION 1
1.1 Explanation of Key Concepts
1) Citizenship
Citizenship refers to the legal and political relationship between an individual and a
state. It involves both rights and responsibilities. A citizen is entitled to rights such as
voting, protection under the law, and access to public services, while also expected to
obey laws, pay taxes, and participate in civic life (Isin & Turner, 2007).
Citizenship is not only a legal status. It also has a social and political dimension. For
example, in South Africa after 1994, citizenship came to mean equal recognition and
participation in a democratic society, regardless of race. Before 1994, many people
were legally excluded from full citizenship rights.
In modern democracies, citizenship implies active participation in public life and
commitment to constitutional values (Republic of South Africa, 1996).
2) Citizen
A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a particular country and is recognised by
that state as having full membership. This membership gives the individual political,
civil, and social rights.
For example, a South African citizen has the right to vote, access public education, and
receive protection from the state. At the same time, the citizen must respect the
Constitution and contribute to society.
Marshall (1950) explains citizenship in terms of three types of rights: civil rights, political
rights, and social rights. A citizen is therefore someone who enjoys and exercises these
rights within a specific political community.
, 3) Elitism
Elitism is the belief that a small, powerful group in society holds most of the political and
economic power and makes decisions on behalf of the majority. In elitist systems,
power is concentrated rather than equally distributed.
For example, during apartheid in South Africa, political power was controlled by a white
minority elite. The majority of the population had little or no influence over political
decisions.
In democratic theory, elitism suggests that even in democracies, real power often
remains in the hands of a small group of political and economic leaders (Heywood,
2013).
4) Modern Democracy
Modern democracy is a system of government in which political power ultimately rests
with the people, who exercise that power either directly or through elected
representatives.
It is based on principles such as universal suffrage, rule of law, equality before the law,
protection of human rights, and regular free and fair elections (Heywood, 2013).
South Africa’s post-1994 political system is an example of modern constitutional
democracy. All adult citizens have the right to vote, and the Constitution protects
fundamental rights such as equality, dignity, and freedom (Republic of South Africa,
1996).
Modern democracy also requires active citizen participation, accountability of leaders,
and transparency in governance.
